Farncombe Estate to open Foxhill Manor as private house hotel

The Grade II listed Arts and Crafts-style building, sister to the 38-bedroom Dormy House Hotel in Broadway, has been run as an exclusive use venue since October 2014, but will become an eight-bedroom hotel on 10 March. 

Although guests will be able to book individual rooms and suites, the early 20th Century property will endeavour to maintain its exclusivity, said Farncombe Estate commercial director Chris Ward, with dining run on a 'whatever, whenever' policy.

A daily four-course menu will be prepared by the hotel's resident chef, but guests will choose whether they want it or be able to request something else. They will also be able to dine at Dormy House's restaurants The Garden Room and The Potting Shed and use its spa, although Dormy House guests will not be able to access Foxhill Manor. 

"We want Foxhill Manor to be a very private place where guests feel they can unwind and not worry about set dining times," said Ward. “At Farncombe we pride ourselves on our staff and the service they deliver. The vital ingredient is character and this will be particularly key at Foxhill Manor”. 

Investment​

Ward said the nine-month renovation of Foxhill Manor, previously the family home of Henry Maudslay DFC, was part of a larger investment for the Farncombe Estate, which included the appointment of Andrew Grahame as chief executive in September 2012 and the the re-opening of Dormy House in September 2013​.  

 “The opening of Foxhill Manor in this capacity is another significant milestone for Farncombe," he said. "For generations the manor house has been a family home and it was important for us, and the owning family, that the renovation works created a sophisticated and elegant space but with the opportunity to create an atmosphere that is both relaxing and homely."  

A spokesperson for Farncombe Estate said the decision to turn Foxhill into a private house hotel was in response to increasing demand for 'super suites' and a more exclusive private experience. The property will still be able to be hired on an exclusive-use basis for weddings and private events, she said.